Which Lenses+tripod

antc · 22 Mar 2006 at 17:58

Im currently looking to purchase some new lenses..

The lenses i currently have are in my sig. Now im looking for a mid range/walkabout lens that could possibly replace the kit lens and be wide angle at the same time. Also looking for something fairly long for motorsport/nature photography, maybe lobger than the sigma i already have or better quality as im finding my sigma a little soft. Have also been looking into wide angle lenses as well, specifically the sigma 10-22mm F4.5-6.5 and the sigma 17-35mm F2.8-4.

Been to my local camera shops this morning and had a look around. One of the shops is ordering in a 135-400 f4.5-5.6 apo dg sigma, 170-500 F5.6-6.3 apo dg sigma and the new 17-70 F2.8-4.5 sigma to have a look at and play with

The chap that i spoke to also suggested that the sigma 10-22 was better than the sigma 17-35 as it was much wider and sharper. He did mention that the 17-35 would be better in low light conditions as it has a larger aperature (please correct if that is wrong)

With regard to the tripod the guy showed me a manfrotto 718 tripod which looked ok. and then he showed me the 190cl or pro, cant remember which one and the 486 head. He also pointed out the pistol grip head as well.

I think from looking at the tripods the way to go is to buy a set of legs and then get whatever head i need, then i can add different heads as i need them.

If anyone has any other suggestions/advice or can post samples of pics taken with any of the above lenses or other lenses that are being suggested i would be very grateful.

could do with as much help as possible

thanks

Anthony

antc · 23 Mar 2006 at 19:25

anyone????

antc · 24 Mar 2006 at 23:00

the telephoto/supertelephoto im looking for is to shoot windsurfing and motorsport with if thats any help

cheers

themask70 · 26 Mar 2006 at 15:05

Can't help you with the lens but i can help you with the tripod..... Tbh, i would go into ********, they have some great tripods. Tell them what you want to do with it and they'll advise..... Good luck!!

Sleepyd · 26 Mar 2006 at 15:45

If I was going to recommend anything it would be to go against the 17-35 Sigma - a lot of bad opinion generally about the lens. I'd rather try out the 18-50 F2.8 EX - more reach(at the long end), better quality, constant F2.8.

On the telephoto side, bear in mind if you're using the lenses you listed they're slow at the longest end(F5.6/6.3) - you're going to have to pay more if you want to freeze action/get decent sharpness. Something like the Sigma 100-300F4 is worth looking at in this respect - it's sharp wide open and a constant F4. Widsurfing and motorsports typically demand fast lenses for a range of shots (i'm excluding panning)

On the tripod - depends how much you're going to use it. I bought a cheapy hama because I use it maybe once or twice a year.

Hope that helps.

antc · 26 Mar 2006 at 21:42

thanks for the replys guys, i was was getting worried getting to around 150 views and no replies :eek:

I did look at the 18-50 F2.8 EX. Would you go with that lens over the sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5?? also what are peoples opinions on the sigma 10-22 lens?

with reagrds to shooting windsurfing and motorsport i hadnt looked at the Sigma 100-300F4. when you say excluding panning, are you meaning i would need something even faster or that you can pan fine with a slower lens?

Need to have a think about the tripod, im not sure how much i will use it as i havent had one before. i also wondered if it would be better to get a monopod for motorsport and windsurfing as it would be more manouverable.

Matt Harper · 26 Mar 2006 at 21:49

antc said:
I did look at the 18-50 F2.8 EX. Would you go with that lens over the sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5?? also what are peoples opinions on the sigma 10-22 lens?

Got the 10-20 and I love it.

Sleepyd · 26 Mar 2006 at 22:07

antc said:
you can pan fine with a slower lens?

Yes, because you typically use slower shutter speeds when panning 1/60th or above generally - then you get a blurred background and sharp forground (Given good technique) Monopods are a must for this type of thing, although I'm no expert.

I looked at the 17-70 review and thought it looked pretty good as does the 18-50 apart from the Chromatic abberations. You've just got to decide if you want a constant 2.8 or more range.